Russian Alaska pollock prices jump 59.3% as exports to China and Europe rise

Wholesale prices for Alaska pollock in Russia surged by 59.3% over the past year, reaching 215 rubles per kilogram by the end of September. Despite a 2% increase in catch volumes to 1.8 million tons, the fish is becoming less available for domestic consumers. The price spike coincides with a nearly 4% decline in the total catch of seafood across the country. Macroeconomist Artem Loginov notes that the increase is not caused by a shortage of raw materials, but by suppliers attempting to offset volatile exchange rates and rising logistics costs. External demand is a primary driver of the trend. Exports to China rose by 19%, while shipments to the European market increased by 16%. This demand is fueled by a global rise in the cost of animal proteins, making fish a more attractive alternative to expensive meat.